This Baylor professor designed Waco’s iconic ‘Flying W’ logo

It’s as much a part of Baylor’s hometown as the ALICO building, Brazos River or Cameron Park, and everyone who enters town on I-35 or walks around downtown sees it somewhere. We’re talking, of course, about the “Flying W” — the “W” logo that adorns the Waco flag, city seal and signage around town. You’ve likely seen it, but did you know it was created by a longtime Baylor professor?

Carol Perry spent nearly three decades in Baylor’s Department of Journalism, Public Relations and New Media, where she taught generations of students about public relations and design before retiring in 2019. She brought to that role the experience that comes from having worked for a growing city. As a public information officer for the City of Waco in the ’80s and ’90s, Perry was there as Waco set the stage for the growth it enjoys today.

In 1985, Waco’s city manager came to Perry with a request: design a logo for the City of Waco. Given Perry’s interest in calligraphy and fonts, the creative possibilities were endless. She had collected countless pieces of paper with W’s in different fonts, and eventually settled on a font with Latin roots that dated all the way back to the Middle Ages. The W in that font, called Uncial, featured looping and angled lines around the W, which needed one more finishing touch — a lone star representing Waco’s home state.

While other cities’ logos have come and gone, the “Flying W” logo has enjoyed real staying power. Last year, the Waco city council officially emblazoned it on the city flag and seal. For Perry, who also designed the Cameron Park Zoo logo, those adoptions ensure her work will continue to greet Waco visitors long into the future.

In recognition of her contributions, the City of Waco declared Aug. 20, 2024, to be “Carol Perry Day” — honoring her impact and legacy that will continue through her design.

Sic ’em, Carol Perry!

(That’s Perry in the photo, above right, being honored by the City of Waco. Note the “Flying W” mark behind her on the desk!)